DMK instigating protests by people, accuses CM

Blaming the DMK-Congress coalition for initiating the NEET, the Chief Minister said since the protests erupted over implementation during the BJP rule, the Opposition in the state has turned the blame over NEET on ruling AIADMK, an ally of the BJP.

Responding to a query on TTV Dhinakaran, the Chief Minister said since the mandate was clear in the polls held this year, Dhinakaran, general secretary of AMMK did not show interest in contesting from Vellore. He explained giving a Rajya Sabha seat to PMK as part of pre-poll agreement and said there was representation for the SC and Muslims in the allocation.

The Salem-Chennai eight lane expressway would benefit not only Salem but also other districts on the way, Palaniswami said responding to the memorandum submitted by DMK MP SR Parthiban from Salem objecting to the project.

The Chief Minister further said that the project was designed to take route through Coimbatore, Tirupur, Namakkal, Karur, Erode and Salem, is to be implemented by the Centre. It would not benefit Salem alone, but other districts too. However, the DMK was portraying as if Salem alone would benefit fromthis project.

When TR Baalu was Surface Transport Minister during DMK-Congress regime, did they not acquire lands from people for implementing a 734 km road project, the Chief Minister asked. It was with intent, the DMK had been instigating people to protest against the project under wrong belief that it would cost AIADMK a lot of goodwill. Moreover, compensation earmarked for land owners would be high with more benefits for farmers, he said.